Cardiovascular Health Apps in EHR: Cost and Time Estimates From NCORP

Clinical decision support (CDS) tools can help deliver guideline-based cancer care, but they must be integrated into EHRs and optimized for workflow. Researchers aimed to provide recommendations for teams implementing CDS tools in different cancer care settings.

The study developed and oversaw the AH-HA tool, a CDS system integrated into Electronic Health Records (EHR). The tool visualizes the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 modifiable risk factors and cancer treatment information. The intervention was implemented in 4 NCORP clinics, utilizing Fast Healthcare Interoperable Resources (FHIR) standards and best practice advisories (BPAs) within their EHR. Before randomization, authorization from the Information Technology (IT) team was mandatory. They provided each clinic with an implementation checklist and virtual support from CDS experts. The study described a successful implementation strategy for a CDS tool, including the timeline for implementation at each clinic.

While all clinics used Epic as their EHR platform, the time for approval, implementation, and tool activation varied from 4 to 15 months. Even with  step-by-step deployment guidance, every site needed at least one technical assistance consultation. The estimated cost for tool deployment at each site, considering a range of 40 to 80 hours at $150 per hour, amounted to $6,000 to $12,000 USD.

The study found CDS tool implementation should be flexible to meet clinic needs and account for variability in timelines and assistance.

Source: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.e13557?af=R 

Clinical Trial: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03935282